The Argentine striker added that Lamine Yamal is doing a “tremendous job” and “deserves respect”
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez has addressed comparisons between Barcelona’s young winger Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi. The striker was speaking ahead of the first leg of his team’s Champions League semi-final tie against Barcelona.
“Leo for me has no comparison, because he is, was and will be the best of all time,” said Martinez, who has played with Messi for Argentina. “I won’t make that comparison.”
Martinez did, however, acknowledge Yamal’s talent, saying: “He’s an important player. At his young age, he’s doing a tremendous job. He’s already won important titles with his national team, so he deserves respect.”
The 17-year-old Yamal has been instrumental in Barcelona’s campaign this season, contributing 14 goals and 24 assists. With still several games to go in the campaign, he could break Messi’s record of 27 assists in a single season for Barcelona, a record the Argentine set in 2020 near the end of his time at the club.
Barcelona enter Wednesday’s semi-final with momentum, having recently secured the Copa del Rey trophy against Real Madrid, and Yamal could play a key role if the team are to advance in the Champions League.
Inter Milan, on the other hand, are looking to overcome recent setbacks, including a three-game losing streak without scoring a single goal. But Martinez emphasised the team’s unity and experience playing in Europe.
“The group is strong and united,” said the Argentine forward. “In three years, we’ve reached two Champions League semi-finals, something that hadn’t happened in many years.”
